Blue Bulls scrumhalf JP Joubert’s hope of joining Saracens received a major blow this week, as the English club failed to secure his work permit.
Rugby 365 reports that Joubert was not included in the Bulls’ Super 14 group but he was scheduled to meet up with Sarries in South Africa this week and would have played a role in the match against the Stormers on Sunday and Boland next week.
The International Rugby Board and the Rugby Football Union requires a player to have a work permit to play in England.
The fact that Joubert is not an international player and does not have a degree , means that he could also not qualify for a special skills permit.
The only hope Joubert has of getting gametime with the Bulls, is in the event of injury to Fourie du Preez and Heini Adams, respectively.
But, Blue Bulls Company business manager, Ian Schwartz, believes Joubert still has a lifeline at the Union as he most likely to join up with the Vodacom Cup squad.
“It did look unlikely that JP would join Saracens based on this work permit issue and we are disappointed for him,” Schwartz told Pretoria News.
“But then again JP does have a place here at the Bulls as he was an important member of our successful Vodacom Cup team from last year and I believe that he can still add value there.
“At the same time JP knows where he stands, he’s had a few one on one sessions with Frans Ludeke and knows if anything would happen to our top two scrumhalves he is in t he mix,” he said.
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Surely he wouldn’t have been first choice at Sarries, with de Kock, Rauluni & Marshall already there?
7000
@McLovin (Comment 1) :
7k? 😎
@KSA Shark © (Comment 2) : It’s the little things in life that can sometimes give the most pleasure.
@McLovin (Comment 3) :
Still on about your outfit then, are you?
@Salmonoid (Comment 4) :
@Salmonoid (Comment 4) :
he is about 34 years old now.time to consider hanging up them boots
@PJLD (Comment 7) :
Maybe he can play at scrumhalf for the Coastal XV.
Full Name Jean-Pierre
Nick Name JP
Surname Joubert
Height 178cm
Weight 85kg
Birth Date 27 February 1978
Birth City Port Elizabeth
Cant believe this guy played for us. He was useless. But then again, who was the coach who signed him for WP? Kobus vd Merwe… 🙄
@wpw (Comment 9) :
I think he is pretty good, I wouldn’t mind him as a backup scrummie when in need of one.
@wpw (Comment 9) :
I remember a certain rugby kenner from Reitzworld who reckoned he had the best pass in SA, back when he played for the Stormers… 😈
@McLovin (Comment 3) :
Yeh…what is up with that outfit!??!
@PJLD (Comment 7) :
Make that 30….LoL
I cannot remember how he played!??!